This is a blog post written by my community colleague Jess Jacobs (@Jess_Jacobs).

When I saw her at TEDMED and she told me about the patient experience around the diagnosis of here syncopal spells, I think I suggested she write a blog post. I’m not sure – I think I said that if these non-patient-centered approaches to care happen to everyone and no one says anything about them, they will continue.

So she wrote this blog post telling her story.

She did a beautiful job documenting things through photos ( one of my favorite things 🙂 ) and in her story shows the difference between “data” and “facts”. “Data” are things like “X% of hospitals are using electronic health records,” or “100% of the time, patients should be able to access their medical records.” “Facts” are what happens at that highest level of the health system, where the patient receives services.

Read Jess’ story to see if you can see the difference between data and facts. We’re bummed because the facts don’t match the data.

Who knows, maybe the system that created this experience will go on stage at TEDMED and tell the audience that if the patient they disappointed is out there that they’re sorry, too.

One thought on “My Intravenous Lecture | Jess’ Juxtapositions”

Aww- thanks for sharing Ted! And yes, I took your advice to heart- because you’re right, if no one says anything, nothing will change. And, while I know it seemed like a pretty negative review, it’s actually the best patient experience I’ve had in years – no joke, despite having to prompt conversation/follow up, the level of care and compassion is exponentially better than what I was getting over at the adult hospitals. When I called the infusion nurse on call called me sweetheart, told me to feel better, and that she’d pray for me. Everyone’s treating me like I’m their child, which ordinarily I’d hate, but when I feel like crap it kinda feels nice to be called honey ;).
Just wait until if/when I post a story about a recent ER visit… that one I actually filed with Joint Commission and sent to their CEO…